Choi Ji-man, a free agent infielder, signed a contract with the New York Mets on Saturday, according to his agency G-Man Sports Management.
Choi, it is reported, signed a one-year split contract with the Mets, under which his pay will vary depending on how much time he spends in the majors and minors. Choi’s maximum income is $3.5 million. The invitation to spring training was extended to the 32-year-old.
Choi, who could be starting his ninth season in the major leagues this year, split the 2023 season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres due to injuries. During his 39 appearances, he batted.163, had six home runs, and 13 RBIs.
Big league veteran Choi played with the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida for three and a half seasons prior to moving to Pittsburgh. He had stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels before being traded to the Pirates in November 2022, his fifth major league team.
In August of last year, he was traded to his sixth major league team, the Padres.
Choi has spent seven seasons in the Major League Baseball.67 home runs, 238 RBIs, and a 234 batting average in 525 games made him one of the most productive Korean hitters in major league history.
Known for being the most entertaining player on the field during his Rays tenure, Choi became a well-liked figure in the dugout. When he’s not hitting the bat, Choi never fails to make his teammates laugh. He’s also frequently the first person the camera turns to when they need a reaction after a strong play.
Choi reportedly received several offers from the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan. His agency did not disclose this information, but it is likely that several KBO teams were considering signing him.
If Choi makes it to Opening Day, on March 28 at Citi Field in New York, he will face his former team, the Brewers.
